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NEW YORK, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Delta Air Lines [DAL.N] said Friday it reached a tentative agreement with its unionized pilots that could pave the way for an alliance between Delta, Northwest Airlines [NWAC.O] and Continental Airlines [CAL.N].
Representatives for the Air Line Pilots Association and Delta struck the tentative deal on Thursday night, Delta spokeswoman Peggy Estes said. She would not discuss the terms of the agreement.
Atlanta-based Delta, the third-largest U.S. airline, announced in late August it had agreed to form a marketing alliance with Northwest and Continental, who are already alliance partners.
The deal, often called a codeshare, would help the three airlines combat a similar, newly formed alliance between UAL Corp.''s [UAL.N] United Airlines and US Airways Group.[UAWGQ.OB]
But the Department of Transportation has yet to give its green light to the tie-up between Delta, Northwest and Continental, after extending its review twice.
It approved the deal between United and US Airways on Oct. 2.
Codeshare alliances link airlines'' frequent flyer programs so travelers can earn and redeem miles on both carriers. The airlines use one ticketing procedure to book passengers on trips that include both carriers, and they share the revenue.
Delta said on Friday that the process of ratifying the proposal will be determined by a Master Executive Committee at the pilots'' union, which is currently reviewing the terms of the deal.
Pilot groups from the three airlines need to approve the agreement for it to take effect.
Representatives for the Air Line Pilots Association and Delta struck the tentative deal on Thursday night, Delta spokeswoman Peggy Estes said. She would not discuss the terms of the agreement.
Atlanta-based Delta, the third-largest U.S. airline, announced in late August it had agreed to form a marketing alliance with Northwest and Continental, who are already alliance partners.
The deal, often called a codeshare, would help the three airlines combat a similar, newly formed alliance between UAL Corp.''s [UAL.N] United Airlines and US Airways Group.[UAWGQ.OB]
But the Department of Transportation has yet to give its green light to the tie-up between Delta, Northwest and Continental, after extending its review twice.
It approved the deal between United and US Airways on Oct. 2.
Codeshare alliances link airlines'' frequent flyer programs so travelers can earn and redeem miles on both carriers. The airlines use one ticketing procedure to book passengers on trips that include both carriers, and they share the revenue.
Delta said on Friday that the process of ratifying the proposal will be determined by a Master Executive Committee at the pilots'' union, which is currently reviewing the terms of the deal.
Pilot groups from the three airlines need to approve the agreement for it to take effect.